New Delhi: Hyderabad MP and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Friday rejected the Z category security provided to him earlier in the day, a day after shots were fired at his car when he was returning to the national capital after campaigning for the UP Assembly polls in Meerut.
According to the police, two youth have been arrested for their involvement in the firing incident that took place in Kithoudh area in Meerut on Thursday.
"I don't want Z category security, as I don't want to lead a life in suffocation as I always want to be with the poor and deprived people of this country and my constituency. I urge the government to work for deradicalising such youth who opened fire on my vehicle on Thursday," Owaisi said the Lok Sabha on Friday.
Earlier during the Question Hour, Owaisi first thanked Speaker Om Birla for showing concern over Friday's firing incident and for directing the concerned officials to ensure the safety of a sitting member of the Parliament.
However, Owaisi then declined to accept the Z category security cover ordered by the government for his personal security.
"Who are these youths who have more belief in bullet than ballot? The government should first enquire how did they become so radicalised. I don't want any security cover from the government. As I had said in 2015, the Home Ministry should form a committee comprising members from all religions to ensure that our youth don't get radicalised. Through you (the Speaker), I want to tell the government that I don't want Z category security cover," Owaisi said.
Earlier, the federal government on Friday provided ‘Z’ category security to AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi, a day after his convoy was attacked near the national capital.
According to sources, the Centre reviewed the security of the Hyderabad MP and decided to accord ‘Z’ category security to him with immediate effect. Now, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) will be responsible for providing cover to him.
On Thursday evening, the convoy of the AIMIM chief was hit by bullets while he was returning from the election campaign in Meerut in Western Uttar Pradesh. The incident took place at a toll plaza near Delhi.
The shooters left their weapons and escaped, police officials said.
“I was leaving for Delhi after a poll event in Kithaur, Meerut. Three to four rounds of bullets were fired on my vehicle by two people near Chhajarsi toll plaza; there were three or four of them,” Owaisi told the media.
While no one was injured, his car tyres were punctured. The MP left the area in another car.
“We are all safe,” he later wrote on social media.
The AIMIM Chief had addressed a public meeting in Meerut while campaigning for the Uttar Pradesh election starting February 10.
Western part of Uttar Pradesh will go to the polls on February 10 in the first of the seven-phase election in the State.
Protest, shutdown in old Hyderabad
There was mild tension around the historic Mecca Masjid here on Friday as some people tried to take out a rally to condemn the attack on Owaisi.
After Friday prayers at the mosque, some people, especially youth, raised slogans condemning the attack and denouncing the BJP and UP Police. They tried to take out a rally but dispersed peacefully after advice from community elders.
Police had made elaborate security arrangements around the mosque and historic Charminar to prevent any untoward incident. Additional police personnel, including Rapid Action Force (RAF) in riot gear, were deployed in the sensitive area as a precautionary measure.
Security was also beefed up at other places in the old city of Hyderabad and other towns in Telangana to maintain law and order.
Meanwhile, traders in the old city voluntarily observed a shutdown as a mark of protest over the attack on Owaisi.
